Tag: Ben Hess

Yankees MILB 5/8: Ben Hess Dominates

Notes:

OF Brennen Davis started his rehab stint in the FCL today. Once a top prospect for the Cubs (Baseball America ranked him 16th in 2022, and he played in the 2021 Futures Game), injuries have slowed him down. In 2021, as a 21-year-old trying Double-A for the first time, he hit an impressive .252/.367/.474 (134 wRC+) in 76 games with 13 homers and 36 RBI.

Injuries are a part of the game, and Davis can’t shake the bug. The Yankees signed him, hoping to tap into what he once was. Last season, in Triple-A Iowa, he hit .214/.359/.469 (110 wRC+) in 181 plate appearances with 11 home runs.

When his rehab is over, he’ll join Everson Pereira and Bryan De La Cruz as right-handed hitting outfield depth.

RHP Jon Olsen was signed to a minor league contract and assigned to Somerset. The 27-year-old was a 12th-round pick by the Twins in 2018, but was out of the organization in 2022. After not pitching in 2023, he ended up in the Independent Atlantic League in 2024, where he compiled a 12-3 record with a 3.60 ERA in 127.2 IP for York. This season, he pitched in the Mexican League, where he was 2-1 with a 3.18 ERA in three starts (17 IP) with a 19/6 K/BB. For now, he is organizational depth. We’ll monitor his progress.

RHP Carlos Carrasco cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment to Scranton. I have no problem with that, as they need the pitching depth.

Due to some feedback, I have updated the injury log below. It is now sorted by last name, with the Top 30 organizational prospects listed at the top.

Injury Log

Scranton (17-17) (After waiting for 3+ hours, they postponed this game against Rochester due to rain. Weird that they waited so long. The lineup was provided and is below.)

CF Everson Pereira: 0-for-0
2B DJ LeMahieu: 0-for-0
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-0
C Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-0
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-0
LF Dominic Smith: 0-for-0
3B Jose Rojas: 0-for-0
DH Alex Jackson: 0-for-0
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-0

RHP Zach McAllister: 0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Until the Yankees find starters, McAllister can put himself on the map for spot starts. However, he hasn’t pitched well thus far.

Somerset (12-18) (Lost to Akron, 5-0. Somerset has suffered three straight shutouts since George Lombard Jr.‘s promotion. The kid is going to develop a complex)

3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, K
2B George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, K
1-for-11 with a walk and three strikeouts. This is his second start at second base this season (24 at SS; 1 at 3B)
1B Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, K
Flores hasn’t drawn a walk in seven May games (9 in 23 April games)
DH Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 2 K
CF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, 2 K
.195/.340/.402 in 100 PA. Martin has a .200 BABIP, which should normalize.
LF Jared Wegner: 1-for-4, K
RF Christopher Familia: 0-for-3, BB
With Spencer Jones and Cole Gabrielson on the injured list, Familia should see extended playing time.
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, K
SS Max Burt: 1-for-2, BB

RHP Brendan Beck: (L, 2-1) 4.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 7 K (personal best)
2.28 ERA (23.2 IP, 15 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 4 BB, 26 K). The start to Beck’s season is encouraging.
LHP Will Brian: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Brian allowed two of Beck’s runners to score before tossing a clean 6th inning. Since promotion: 9 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 9 K
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
9.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 9 K. If you want to get yourself on the radar, throw up a bunch of zeroes in your first eight Double-A games.

Hudson Valley (20-9) (Walloped Wilmington, 12-1. It’s their second straight 12-1 triumph)

CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-6, RBI, R, SB (13)
Jones is 31-for-34 (91.2%) stealing bases in 49 career games.
LF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-5, 2B (8), 2 R, SB (4), BB
.255/.366/.372 in 112 PA. He has back-to-back multi-hit efforts after a 1-for-15 start to May.
3B Parks Harber: 2-for-5, RBI, 3 R, BB, K
Harber is hitting .314 (11-for-35) since his promotion (he has hit safely in seven of eight games).
DH Omar Martinez: 2-for-4, 2 HR (5), 3 RBI, 2 R, HBP, BB, K
Martinez has homered in three straight games. In six May games: 12-for-23 (3 doubles, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 9 R, 4 BB, 4 K).  He is up to .283/.374/.485 in 115 PA. I would consider swapping him and Antonio Gomez.
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-5, BB, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio: 2-for-5, 2B (3), RBI, 2 R, BB, 2 K
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 2 K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, R, 2 BB, K
RF Anthony Hall: 2-for-5, 2 RBI, K

RHP Ben Hess: (W, 2-2)  6.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9 K
Hess has three 9-strikeout efforts this season. He lost the no-hitter with no outs in the 7th, but instantly generated a ground ball double play before leaving. He tossed 88 pitches (63 strikes). Season: 3.24 ERA (25 IP, 12 H, 12 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 39 K). The spotlight will be brighter on Hess, since he was their first-round pick in 2024. He is performing well.
RHP Huey Morrill: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K. Overall: 11.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 18 K. That’s how you make an impression in your first professional campaign.

Tampa (13-17) (Swept a doubleheader against Daytona)

Game 1 (Won, 13-2. 13 runs, 11 hits, 10 walks)

C Edgleen Perez: 2-for-5, RBI
Perez hits the .200 mark for the first time since April 6th. 
CF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-4, 3B (3), RBI, 2 R, CS (3), BB, K
DH Engelth Urena: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, K
LF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, 2B (5), RBI, 2 R, BB, K
SS Juan Matheus: 2-for-4, R, BB, K
RF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, R, BB
2B Austin Green: 0-for-2, RBI, R, 2 BB
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 R, SB (6), BB
.159/.286/.261 in 84 PA. 
3B Hans Montero: 1-for-2, RBI, 2 R, SB (4), BB, K
.240/.356/.328 in 59 PA. 

LHP Griffin Herring: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
1.04 ERA (34.2 IP, 20 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 44 K). The Max Fried of the Florida State League (it’s a joke, don’t take it seriously) allows more than one run for the first time in his 6-start career.
RHP Brady Kirtner (W, 2-0): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
1.56 ERA (17.1 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 14 K)
RHP Chris Veach: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
2.13 ERA (12.2 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 7 BB, 20 K)

Game 2 (Won, 6-3)

DH Edgleen Perez: 2-for-4, RBI, HBP, K
I love that they keep throwing him out there, even if he caught the first game of a doubleheader. He needs reps, reps, reps.  His batting average is now .214.
RF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, R, BB
Sanchez is having himself a doubleheader (4-for-8, 3B, 3 RBI, 3 R, 2 BB). He has three straight multi-hit efforts.
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-2, R, 2 BB
Drawing walks is nothing new for Urena (49 in 322 career plate appearances; 15.2%)
LF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, 2B (6), RBI, R, 2 K
Lewis has two doubles and two homers in six May games (five extra-base hits in 21 April games)
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, BB, K
1B Tyler Wilson: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Austin Green: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
CF Marshall Toole: 2-for-4, 2B (2), 3B (2), 2 K
Toole’s third straight 2-hit effort (6-for-11, 1 double, 2 triples).
SS Owen Cobb: 2-for-3, 2B (4), 2 R, CS (1), BB
9-for-18 with four doubles, a homer, 10 runs, and a 6-for-7 stolen base rate.

RHP Danny Flatt: (W, 1-2)  5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
The rain delay (which occurred in the second inning) wasn’t long enough to knock Flatt out of the game, which worked well for him. Nobody wants a wasted start.  Season: 5.40 ERA (18.1 IP, 19 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 13 BB, 15 K)
RHP Jack Sokol: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
4.22 ERA (10.2 IP, 13 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 10 K)
RHP Cade Austin (S, 1): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL (3-1) (Defeated the Phillies, 3-1. I told you they keep playing the same teams!)

DH Brando Mayea: 1-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, R, SB (2), CS (2), BB, K
Mayea has three doubles in four games (4 extra-base hits (2 doubles, 2 triples) in 35 games at this level in 2024). I don’t worry about stolen base rates in the low minors – if a kid has speed, they learn by running.
CF Isael Arias: 2-for-5, RBI, SB (2)
5-for-15
RF Brennen Davis: 1-for-2, K
His first rehab game.
  RF Gabriel Lara: 1-for-2, CS (1)
SS Santiago Gomez: 2-for-4, R

RHP Omar Gonzalez: 3.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
Only 19, Gonzalez has spent four years in the rookie leagues. However, he has compiled only 58.1 innings (28 hits, 42 BB, 80 K)
RHP Sunayro Martina (W, 1-1): 3.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 9 K
LHP Franyer Herrera (S, 1): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Herrera’s first career save.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/30: George Lombard Jr. Ends Month on Good Note

Notes:

C Alex Jackson was activated off the injured list. He goes back to being the #3 catcher (#4 if you think Ben Rice would take on the responsibility). C/UTIL Jesus Rodriguez played in Game 2 of Scranton’s doubleheader tonight. I don’t know if he will stick with the squad or return to Somerset.

OF Everson Pereira, who missed several games for unknown reasons, was back in the lineup tonight.

Injury Log

Scranton (14-14) (Tossed a pair of shutouts in a doubleheader sweep of Syracuse)

Game 1 (Won, 5-0)

CF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-4
3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, R, K
LF Everson Pereira: 2-for-3, 2 R, K
Pereira’s first game since April 19th. He has three multi-hit games in his last five games and is hitting .274/.343/.435 in 70 PA.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-2, R, BB
C Alex Jackson: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 K
Jackson is on a 5-game hitting streak (8-for-18).
  C Ronaldo Hernandez: 0-for-0
DH Dominic Smith: 1-for-1, SF, RBI, BB
RF Jose Rojas: 1-for-3, HR (3), 3 RBI, R, K
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-3, 3 K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Allan Winans: 4.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
0.00 ERA (14 IP, 10 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 24 K). Winans doesn’t have much MLB success under his belt, but this is how you get yourself on the radar.
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3.18 ERA (11.1 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 15 K). A mixed bag for their top relief prospect.
RHP Geoff Hartlieb (W, 2-1): 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
2.25 ERA (12 IP, 13 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 2 BB, 12 K)

Game 2 (Won, 2-0)

CF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-3, BB, K
3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, 2 R, SB (6), HBP
.319/.426/.436 in 116 PA (5 doubles, 2 HR, 15 RBI, 17 R, 6-for-10 SB, 12.9% BB, 6.9% K). If Jazz Chisholm Jr. has to go on the injured list (we’ll see), Vivas would be the logical call-up. The scouting report isn’t fond of his defense, so it’s all about the offense.
C Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-3, BB
Rodriguez wishes to stay here. He is 16-for-43 (.372) with two doubles, a homer, 10 RBI, 12 walks, and 9 strikeouts. Those 12 walks have come in 58 PA (20.7%). I am not discounting his Double-A struggles (small sample), but Rodriguez continues to hit, hit, hit.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, K
.241/.362/.460 in 105 PA (7 doubles, 4 HR, 19 RBI, 18 R, 1-for-2 SB)
LF Dominic Smith: 0-for-3, K
RF Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, K
DH Ronaldo Hernandez: 0-for-2, CI
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-2, HBP
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-2, BB, K

RHP Sean Boyle: (W, 3-3)  5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 9 K
4.06 ERA (31 IP, 21 H, 14 R, 14 ER, 5 HR, 11 BB, 36 K). His season consists of three starts where he tossed 5+ scoreless innings and three starts where he allowed 14 runs over 15.2 IP.
LHP Rob Zastryzny: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Yerry De Los Santos (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
De Los Santos did his job in his Yankees debut. At this level, he owns a 0.96 ERA (9.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 9 K)

Somerset (11-12) (Defeated Richmond, 10-8)

2B Dylan Jasso: 3-for-5, RBI, R, HBP
When people ask me about prospects like Jasso, my answers are typically: 1. He is hitting at an upper level; 2. The Yankees are batting him at the top of minor league lineups (an indicator of some faith); 3. No major sites say much about him, which lessens his prospect status. If he continues to achieve, we’ll start seeing more scouting reports. Anyway, this is Jasso’s second consecutive 3-hit effort, and he is over .300 for the first time this season (.303/.961 OPS)
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, 2 R, SB (5), 2 BB, 3 K
Jones is hitting .232 with a .931 OPS over 100 PA (3 doubles, 8 HR, 14 RBI, 19 R, 5-for-6 SB, 17% BB, 35% K). He’s hitting homers, taking walks, and striking out a ton. Interpret as you will.
1B Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, 2B (7), 2 RBI, R, SB (3), 2 BB, K
Flores has played 15 games behind the plate and five at first base. He is hitting .295 with a .902 OPS (7 doubles, 5 HR, 21 RBI, 12 R, 3-for-3 SB, 9.2% BB, 32.7% K). As of this writing, his 21 RBI are tied for the Eastern League lead.
DH Garrett Martin: 1-for-2, 2 RBI, R, 4 BB
Martin’s first career 4 BB game (not that it would be common!). He has 2 doubles, 3 HR, 9 RBI, and 7 walks over his last seven games.
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-6, 2 K
After a solid spring and solid start to his campaign, he has slumped (down to .226).
RF Jared Wegner: 3-for-4, 2B (3), SF, 2 RBI, 2 R, CS (1), K
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-5, R
3B Max Burt: 3-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
LF Christopher Familia: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K

RHP Bailey Dees: (W, 1-1) 5.1 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 8 K, HR
6.38 ERA (18.1 IP, 20 H, 13 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 13 BB, 21 K)
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
2.89 ERA (9.1 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 12 K)
LHP Will Brian: 2.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Brian has pitched 5.1 innings in his first two Double-A appearances and tossed 47 pitches tonight. Your reminder that his professional journey started in 2022, and his 12.1 innings this season are a personal best. Injuries, injuries, injuries.
RHP Mason Vinyard (S, 1): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (16-7) (Lost a morning game to Jersey Shore, 4-2)

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-4, K
Jones finishes April at .238/.342/.425 in 95 PA (4 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 19 R, 11-for-14 SB, 12.6% BB, 21.1% K).  The average is low, but not much to complain about in his profile.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-3, 2B (5), R, 2 SB (11), BB
Lombard Jr. finishes April at .309/.500/.456 in 96 PA (5 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 19 R, 11-for-13 SB, 22.9% BB, 19.8% K). He reached base safely in 20 of his 21 games. Your expectations can never be met if you complain about his first month. This is what a top prospect does.
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, 2 K
.275/.370/.420 in 81 PA (7 doubles, 1 HR, 18 RBI, 7 R, 3-for-3, SB, 13.6% BB, 28.4% K). He compiled a pair of 6-RBI games. Including the 21 games he played here last year, he owns a .295/.377/.468 triple slash over 162 PA.
DH Jace Avina: 1-for-4, 2B (4), RBI, R, 2 K
Avina has an 8-game hitting streak (16-for-31) and finishes April .329/.457/.425 in 92 PA. The 21-year-old is repeating the level, but I don’t hold that against him, as he was 20 (turned 21 last June) when he played here in 2024.
3B Parks Harber: 1-for-3, BB, 2 K
4-for-8 to start his Hudson Valley tenure. .325/.435/.584 overall.
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Duncan Pastore: 0-for-4
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-4, K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-3

RHP Ben Hess (L, 1-2): 5 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
Hess, last year’s first-round pick, was solid beyond a 4-run second inning. All innings count, though. Season: 4.42 ERA (18.1 IP, 11 H, 11 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 30 K). The walks need to come down, but look at those strikeouts. I would consider his first professional month a successful one.
RHP Chris Kean: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
10.2 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 10 K. In 32 career games, Kean is 4-1 with a 0.82 ERA (44 IP, 22 H, 8 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 54 K). Impressive numbers for the 22-year-old.
RHP Sebastian Keane: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.57 ERA (7 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 2 BB, 9 K). Keane made 26 appearances (15 starts) at this level last year. Is he going “full-time relief” or will they try him as a starter again?

Tampa (9-14) (Defeated Bradenton, 4-3)

DH Edgleen Perez: 0-for-3, RBI, 2 BB
.179/.373/.196 in 75 PA. The 18-year-old had some struggles and successes in his first month of full-season ball. I am not discouraged.
CF Brian Sanchez: 0-for-4, R, SB (4), BB, K
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-4, R, SB (3), 2 K
.178/.330/.329 in 91 PA. The kid with a power reputation hit three home runs in a 4-game span earlier this season.
RF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, 2B (4), R, SB (6), BB, 3 K
2B Austin Green: 0-for-4, BB
LF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-4, RBI, K
SS Juan Matheus: 2-for-4, R, CS (2), K
.255/.343/.345 in 67 PA. The 21-year-old switch-hitter compiled a 13.4% BB rate and 16.4% K rate.
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-1, 3 BB
3B Owen Cobb: 0-for-3, SB (1), BB, K
Cobb (23) played in 18 games last season, hitting .238/.338/.302 with a perfect 9-for-9 SB rate. The Padres originally drafted him in 2019 (37th round out of high school), but he didn’t sign. The Yankees signed him as an undrafted free agent last year.

RHP Danny Flatt: 3.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR
5.40 ERA (13.1 IP, 14 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 9 K). The 20-year-old is a 4-seamer, cutter, slider guy who reached 93.7 MPH with the fastball tonight.
RHP Sean Hermann: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Jonathan Loaisiga: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Loaisiga’s sinker reached 96.9 MPH (averaged 95.7). That plays.
RHP Brady Kirtner: (W, 1-0)  3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Kirtner’s first professional win. Season: 1.29 ERA (14 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 11 K)

FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/16: Ben Hess Ks 9 (Again)

Notes:

A few days after activating Edinson Duran, Scranton placed the catcher on the Development List. This leaves them with Jesus Rodriguez and Ronaldo Hernandez as active catchers.

OF Grant Richardson was promoted to Scranton, while Somerset activated OF Christopher Familia off the Development List. Familia was a sensation in 2023, hitting .307/.378/.617 with 22 home runs in 68 games. In 2024, however, he hit .248/.320/.433 with six home runs in 45 games.

Scranton (10-6) (Lost to Durham, 4-3)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K
3B-2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4
.328/.414/.500 in 71 PA. Impressively, Vivas has a 5.6% K.
1B Dominic Smith: 0-for-3, BB, K
RF Everson Pereira: 2-for-3, HR (3), RBI, 2 R, HBP, K
Pereira crushed that one: 422 feet at 109.5 MPH. He has homered in back-to-back games (3 HR in last six games).
LF-3B Jose Rojas: 0-for-4
CF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-3, R, CS (1), HBP
Munguia is hitting .293 with a .727 OPS in 70 PA (3 doubles, 3 RBI, 11 R, 3-for-4 SB, 5 BB, 5 K)
DH Ronaldo Hernandez: 1-for-4, RBI, CS (1), 2 K
2B-SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 SB (6), BB
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-1, BB
  LF Duke Ellis: 0-for-1, K
  PH T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-1, K

LHP Brandon Leibrandt: 4 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
2.00 ERA (18 IP, 13 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 HR, 9 BB, 18 K). He is a veteran, not a prospect – but he is pitching well thus far.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: (L, 1-1)  1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, HR
6 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 HR, 7 BB, 8 K
RHP Colten Brewer: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
5.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 6 K
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (5-6) (Lost to Altoona, 10-1)

2B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, R, HBP
Jasso’s second game at second base. I looked through his game log for New Mexico Junior College, and he played some second base while he was there. He is hitting .250/.314/.438 in 35 PA.
DH Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, SB (4), BB, 2 K
.231/.362/487 in 47 PA (1 double, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 8 R, 4-for-4 SB, 14.9% BB, 36.2% K). Understanding that the K% is still too high doesn’t take a statistical genius. 
1B Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, 2 K
In 76 Double-A games: .267/.354/.502 in 319 PA (15 doubles, 17 HR, 41 RBI, 43 R, 8-for-8 SB, 10.7% BB, 27.9% K)
CF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, 2 K
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-4, 3 K
Gomez’s Double-A debut won’t go on his career highlight film, but we all have to start somewhere…
LF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, K
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-3, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3, K
3B Max Burt: 0-for-3

RHP Bailey Dees (L, 0-1): 2.2 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 5 BB, 3 K, 2 HR
Walks are an issue for the 6’8″ Dees (he lowered his BB% to 9.3 last year, which is still high). 
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Vinyard saved some earned runs for Dees by getting out of a 2-out, bases-loaded jam. 
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Colby White: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
RHP Jordany Ventura: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (7-4) (Held off Wilmington, 10-7. Hudson Valley walked 13 times.)

LF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, 2 R, HBP, K
Jones hits a lead-off blast. He hit three HR in his debut 2024 season, including two at this level in 15 games.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 2B (1), RBI, 2 R, SB (5), 2 BB, K
Lombard Jr. is hitting .333 with a 1.004 OPS (11-for-33; 1 double, 1 triple, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 11 R, 5-for-6 SB, 22.2% BB, 22.2% K)
RF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-2, R, SB (3), 3 BB, 2 K
Castillo has 11 walks in ten games. Last year, he had 66 BB in 415 PA (15.9%), so patience is part of his game.
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-3, RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, K
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-5, RBI, R
A needed night for Martinez, as he ends a 1-for-16 slide.
SS Jose Colmenares: 1-for-3, RBI, R, 2 BB, K
Colmenares has a 4-game hitting streak (6-for-14; 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R, 2 BB, 2 K)
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-5, 2B (2), 4 RBI, K
Moylan sets a new personal record for RBI in a game.
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, SB (4), CS (1), HBP, BB, K
DH Coby Morales: 0-for-1, R, 3 BB

RHP Ben Hess: (W, 1-0) 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 9 K
According to the radio announcers, Hess was throwing some nasty curveballs tonight. That is his bread-and-butter pitch (he also throws a 4-seamer at varying speeds).  Hess has struck out 9 hitters in both professional starts and has yet to allow an earned run (9.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 18 K). Can he rise quickly this year?  A trip to Somerset is on the table, but the Yankees will take their time.
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
4 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 0.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (5-6) (Lost to St. Lucie, 5-1)

SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, 2B (3), R, SB (4), 2 K
On one hand, he is only 20 years old, and prospects can develop at different paces. On the other hand, he was highly touted and struggling at a level he is repeating. Do with that information what you will.
C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-3, SB (1), BB, K
When you have an 18-year-old catcher hitting .114/.244/.114 in his first 41 plate appearances, you worry about confidence. The Yankees (obviously) think he can handle the early struggles, but every player is impacted differently. To me, you stay the course – you didn’t put him here to pull the plug after 41 plate appearances. 
CF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-4, 2B (5), K
.275/.341/.500 in 44 PA (5 doubles, 2 triples, 4 RBI, 9.1% BB, 22.7% K). I don’t know if future HR power will come (he has four career HR in 92 games), but he is showing off some extra-base hit pop (28 doubles, 10 triples).
LF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4, RBI, K
RF Austin Green: 0-for-4, 2 K
The switch-hitting 14th-round pick in 2024 (Texas Tech) is off to a slow start in his professional journey (7-for-47 without an extra-base hit). He has played 2B and RF.
2B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, SB (1), K
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-2, BB, K
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, K
DH Duncan Pastore: 0-for-3, K

RHP Danny Flatt (L, 0-2): 2.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
The Yankees have yet to push Flatt in his brief career (has yet to throw five innings in his 16 appearances (12 starts)).
RHP Sean Hermann: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
He missed 2024 due to injury, so slack will be given. In 2023, he registered a 52.7% GB rate.  Today, Hermann threw 55% sinkers.
RHP Brady Kirtner: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Cade Austin: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/9: Ben Hess Dominates in Debut

Notes:

Nothing to report

Scranton (6-5) (Split a doubleheader against Rochester)

Game 1 (Lost, 7-4)

RF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-4
2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-3, SF, RBI
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, 2B (3), R, BB
LF Dominic Smith: 3-for-4, R
C Alex Jackson: 2-for-3, 2B (1), HR (1), 3 RBI, R, BB
Hitting in the minors hasn’t been a massive problem for Jackson (.241/.324/.460 in 628 career games). The majors are a much different story (.132/.224/.232 in 124 games)
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-2, BB, K
3B Braden Shewmake: 0-for-3, 2 K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-3, 2 K
CF Duke Ellis: 1-for-2, R, CS (2), BB, K

RHP Erick Leal (L, 0-2): 4 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
The Yankees’ starting pitching depth doesn’t have the same “vibe” as previous years.
LHP Tyler Matzek: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Matzek, who had a good chance to make the roster out of spring training, was officially activated off the injured list today.
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K

Game 2 (Won, 4-3, on a walk-off)

RF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-4, K
13-for-43 (.302/.375/.349; 2 doubles, 2 RBI, 6 R, 2-for-2 SB, 2 BB, 5 K)
CF Everson Pereira: 0-for-2, 2 BB, 2 K
9-for-31 (.290/.378/.387; 1 HR, 6 RBI, 5 R, 2-for-2 SB, 5 BB, 12 K)
2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, R, BB
11-for-39 (.282; 2 doubles, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 8 R, 6 BB, 4 K)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, R, BB, K
12-for-43 (.279/.392/.558; 3 doubles, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 7 BB, 7 K)
LF Cooper Hummel: 1-for-2, 2 R, 2 BB
Hummel’s organizational debut.
DH Dominic Smith: 2-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, K
Smith, who goes 5-for-8 on the day, walks it off with an RBI single.
C Ronaldo Hernandez: 1-for-3, RBI, K
3B Braden Shewmake: 0-for-3, 2 RBI
Productive outs!
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-3, K

LHP Brandon Leibrandt: 5 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, HR
1.93 ERA (14 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 16 K)
LHP Brent Headrick: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Headrick did nothing wrong to deserve a demotion. The problem he has is that the Yankees have so many bullpen options. Let’s see how it all shakes out.
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: (W, 1-0)  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Somerset (1-4) (Lost to Reading, 3-1)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-3, BB
Rodriguez’s tough start continues (1-for-21). If you want a positive, he has four strikeouts in 23 plate appearances (17.4%)). An .059 BABIP screams early-season sample size issues.
DH Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
4-for-16 (1 double, 1 HR, 5 BB, 7 K). His early-season K% is 31.8%.
1B Rafael Flores: 0-for-2, 2 BB, 2 K
6-for-19 (2 HR, 5 RBI, 2 BB, 7 K)
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, K
2-for-15 with a pair of walks.
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-4, RBI, SB (1), 2 K
SS Jake Gatewood: 0-for-3, 3 K
Gatewood is receiving a lot of early-season playing time. Eventually, the hope is that George Lombard Jr. will occupy the shortstop position….
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-2, 2 SB (2), BB, 2 K
CF Grant Richardson: 0-for-3, K
2B Max Burt: 1-for-3, K

RHP Bailey Dees: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
Dees was converted to starting last season. At this level, he went 7-7 with a 4.25 ERA and 145/54 K/BB over 137.2 innings. He stands an impressive 6’8″.
RHP Cole Percival: (L, 0-1)  1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
RHP Luis Pacheco: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
It will be a nice boost to their bullpen depth if Watson is over his injuries.

Hudson Valley (3-2) (Defeated Brooklyn, 7-2)

CF Jace Avina: 0-f0r-1
Avina had a quick afternoon, as he was ejected from the game in the first inning.
   LF Coby Morales: 1-for-3, R, 2 SB (3)
Morales stole 34 bases in 42 attempts last year. The funny thing about that fact is that he never stole more than one base in a season while in college.
SS George Lombard: 1-for-5, RBI, 2 K
4-for-18 with a triple and a pair of RBI. He has three walks and seven strikeouts.
LF-CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, BB, K
DH Omar Martinez: 2-for-4, R, BB, 2 K
7-for-21 with a pair of doubles and three runs batted in.
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-3, RBI, R, SB (1), BB, 2 K
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, R
C Antonio Gomez: 2-for-3, HR (2, grand slam), 4 RBI, R, K
Gomez, who started with the organization in 2019, ties his best for RBI in a game.
  PH-C Tomas Frick: 0-for-1, K
3B Brenny Escanio: 2-for-4, 2B (1), HR (1), RBI, 2 R, 2 K
Escanio’s first home run since August 10, 2023. He didn’t homer in 76 games last year.
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-4, 3 K

RHP Ben Hess: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K
Hess dominates in his professional debut. He was drafted in the 1st round in 2024 (Alabama), standing an imposing 6’5″/255 pounds. Hess has two plus pitches (fastball, curve) and is trying to rediscover his slider. There are comparisions to Lance Lynn, though his profile also screams a bit of Joba Chamberlain to me.
RHP Sebastian Keane (W, 1-0): 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Keating: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Chris Kean: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (3-2) (Lost to Fort Myers, 5-1)

SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-5, 2 K
The brutal start to his campaign continues (1-for-21 with a double, four walks, and nine strikeouts). It’s early, but we need to see progress this year.
DH Edgleen Perez: 1-for-3, RBI, HBP, BB, K
3-for-15
LF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-4, 2B (2), SB (1)
7-for-21 with two doubles and two triples. He hasn’t yet shown HR power (4 in 87 games) but he has shown some extra-base pop (25 doubles, 10 triples).
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
3B Parks Harber: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
1B Tyler Wilson: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB, 2 K
RF Dillon Lewis: 0-f0r-2, 2 BB, K
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-4, K
2B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, BB, 2 K

RHP Danny Flatt: (L, 0-1)  4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Only 20, Flatt was drafted in the 14th round in 2023. Last year, in his professional debut, he pitched well in the FCL but (predictably) struggled a bit here.
RHP Brandon Decker: 3 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Decker’s professional debut. He was drafted in the 19th round in 2024 (Oakland). He was featuring five pitches tonight, mainly throwing a sinker/slider/change combo.
RHP Brady Kirtner: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.